`Violence not welcome on streets of Lisburn'

United in horror after fatal stabbing

by JULIE ANN SPENCE

A
GROUP of young people in Lisburn have come together to get the message
out that violence is not welcome on the streets of the city after the
weekend murder of 20-year-old Darren Roberts in the Millbrook Road area.

The young people, including Billy Williamson, Alan
Williamson, Timothy Woosey and Emma Hughes, were so appalled by the
murder of Darren they have drawn up 'Say No to Knives' posters, are
planning to raise money for Darren's girlfriend and unborn child and are
hoping to hold a peace vigil in the city to prove that "kids care".
There was shock across Lisburn after Darren was stabbed to death in the
early hours of Saturday morning following a night out.

Darren was walking home with his brother Stuart, 18,
and their friend, Gareth Reid, also 18, when the attack happened.

Mr Reid suffered a stab wound to his side, but his
injuries are not life-threatening. Darren's brother escaped unhurt and
was said to be inconsolable.

His parents, Uel and Elaine, who live at Spruce Street
in the city - just 250 yards from the scene of the attack - were too
distraught to speak and have appealed for privacy to grieve. The murder
was watched by his horrified teenage brother Stuart who escaped injury.

Darren's girlfriend, Leona Lockhart, 18, is pregnant
with their first child and is due in September.

The group of young people, who are all training at
People First in Lisburn, said they felt they had to do something to
express their horror at Darren's murder.

"We were outraged by what happened," they said. "We want
to show everybody that kids care. "There is real sympathy for the family
and we don't want anyone being killed on our streets."

City 'appalled' by 'brutal and needless assault'

THE
Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Ronnie Crawford, has led the widespread
condemnation of the murder of Darren Roberts last weekend.

Mr Crawford said the whole city was "appalled" by the
"brutal and needless assault".

Speaking after paying a visit to the family, Mr Crawford
said: "We all share their grief and a determination to stamp out this
sort of criminality from the streets of this city. I urge everyone to
co-operate fully with the police investigation."

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, who also visited
Darren's devastated parents, said his murder was a "tragedy".

He also praised the police operation after the
killing and said there would be no tolerance for violence in the city.

Close friend of the family, Councillor Jenny Palmer,
said she was shocked by Darren's death. She also appealed for calm in
the area and urged people to "let the police do their job".

She said: "I would appeal to young people in the area
to let the police carry out their investigation."

Lagan Valley Sinn Fein MLA Paul Butler said he was
"appalled" by the "vicious assault . He commented: "Those who carried
out this attack must be condemned, their actions are totally
reprehensibly.

"These forms of attacks unfortunately are becoming
more and more prevalent."

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn expressed his shock at the
death. "This despicable and deeply tragic event has shocked the local
community. You simply don't expect incidents of this nature to happen in
Lisburn" he said.

"Anyone who may be able to help the police inquiry
should respond to their appeal for information" he said.

Ulster Unionist Alderman Ivan Davis said the death
was a "real tragedy for a well known and respected family"

He expressed his deepest sympathy to Darren's
girlfriend Leona and the family circle. Ulster Unionist Councillor David
Archer said: "I know this devastating incident will be in the minds of
the entire community."

And DUP Councillor Andrew Ewing added: "Darren's
passing is a terrible loss to his family and friends.

"My thoughts and prayers are with them."

Three charged with murder

THREE
men appeared in court in Lisburn on Tuesday charged with the murder of
Darren Roberts in the city at the weekend.

Allister also faces a charge of causing grievous
bodily harm to another teenager.

A solicitor for Curran said his client strongly
denied the charge, and under cross examination a detective confirmed
that prosecution witnesses said Curran was not involved in the actual
physical attack.

As the three men were led from the dock, there were
shouts from the public gallery.

One man tried to get into the dock but was restrained
by police officers who led him out of court.